Environmental Program
The purpose of the Kenaitze Tribal Environmental Program is to ensure tribal participation on issues or projects which may have an affect on tribal lands or subsistence resources. We also incorporate traditional Athabascan values into environmental education and outreach for tribal members.
Projects and Funding - The tribe receives an IGAP grant from EPA to focus on capacity building to manage a tribal environmental protection program. This includes long range planning, education, and training. Current projects include a booklet on traditional environmental knowledge for respecting our natural resources, and adopting tribal ordinances for environmental protection.
Kenai River Watershed Project - The formation of this project was based on the need to begin to address the goals identified in the KRCMP in 1997. The Kenaitze Tribe had been involved with the development of the KRCMP and other efforts related to the Kenai River for many years, when in 2002 it decided to seek funding for the EPA Watershed Initiative grant. We are in the process of receiving funding from EPA for this project.
The watershed grant has four goals. First is the 2-stoke boat motor buy-back program to reduce hydrocarbon levels in the Kenai River. Second is water quality monitoring and testing. Third is a river bank erosion study. Fourth is community education and outreach in our community for protection of the Kenai River.
Renewable Energy Feasibility Study
We are completing a renewable energy study for the tribe, funded by the US Department of Energy. This includes a feasibility study for wind and solar energy in Kenai.
Environmental Program Camps
Janteh Day Camp is a daytime camp which runs for three days in July. We expect about 20 kids, and usually also have one parent volunteer or helper. The Environmental Program Director and the Program Assistant, plus one or two other employees from the Culture/Education program attend the camp for adult supervision. Tribal Youth are taken on two field trips in GSA vans, to the K'Beq' heritage site and also possibly the Kit Educational Fisheries site for activities and stories from tribal elders.
Kahtnu Qayeh (Camp Kenai) is a science camp based on traditional ecological knowledge. Activities are planned for daytime, for 3 days and do not plan an overnight camp for this year. Expected about 12 students, ages 9 to 12. This will also be staffed by the Environmental Program Director and the Program Assistant, plus one or two other employees from the Culture/Education program attend the camp for adult supervision. Depending on funding we may have other adults as teachers or guest speakers to present outdoor demonstrations and activities.